STAKEHOLDER OPINIONS OF TELEMATICS AS AN ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR MCI DRIVERS; A THEMATIC ANALYSIS

BackgroundPatients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are recommended to have their driving ability assessed to ensure they are not at risk to themselves or other drivers. Current, on-road driving assessments lack ecological validity, being unrepresentative of fluctuations in ability, and lack longitudinal data to assess changes in driving behaviour over time. GPS devices provide an unobtrusive, objective, and continuous form of assessment. This technology has not yet been marketed towards older drivers.MethodsFour workshops were conducted with the stakeholders of this project, including older drivers with experience of MCI, clinicians and DVLA representatives. Thematic analysis was conducted on tran- scripts from the workshops to investigate these stakeholders’ opinions of the technology as a potential alternative driving assessment.ResultsStakeholders stressed the importance of driving (independence, convenience, sense of freedom), described the issues surrounding the current methods of assessment and discussed the promising nature of telematics technology for older drivers.DiscussionOutcomes suggest that with increased awareness and education around telematics, the older public may accept this technology as an advantageous alternative that could improve road safety as a whole.